REDDITCH MP Rachel Maclean has welcomed the Spring Statement, where Chancellor Philip Hammond updates Parliament on the state of the economy and the nation's finances, saying it's good news for the town.

In his latest update the Chancellor said that the economy has grown by 17 per cent since 2010, unemployment is at a near-record low, the deficit is down and there has been more than £60billion worth of investment in public services since the Autumn Statement 2016.

Mrs Maclean said that as a result of the Conservative Government’s strong economic record, in Redditch 40,354 have received a pay rise thanks to the increase in the tax-free personal allowance and 16,000 people have been auto enrolled in the workplace pension scheme.

She also said more young people are back in work in Redditch with 445 fewer young people out of work since 2010 and 7,100 apprenticeships started in the past eight years.

“The health of our economy isn’t just about data and percentages, but how the Conservative Government’s balanced approach to the economy is improving the lives of residents here in Redditch by reducing their taxes and investing in public services," said the MP.

“The Spring Statement shows how Conservatives are creating a country that works for everyone by getting control of the public finances whilst investing in our public services; investing in our economy to create better, higher-paying jobs; and supporting families with the cost of living.”